MODA Student

Fashion Design and Development

 This program is offered in-person.

Design and development professionals use their creative and technical skills to design products, develop patterns, monitor quality control and assurance and coordinate sourcing activities in apparel and soft goods companies. The major meets increasing industry demand for graduates who understand the industry's design and merchandising aspects. The design and merchandising functions are becoming more interrelated as apparel firms rely increasingly on private brands; and apparel manufacturers assume a more prominent retailing role. Students who elect this option take design, merchandising, and business courses to prepare them for challenging careers in apparel manufacturing, marketing, and retailing companies.

Prospective students may arrange a department visit by contacting Kelly Weathers.

Why fashion design and development at Western Michigan University?

 

Successful graduates: FMD graduates work for national retailers and famous brands. About 97% of program graduates were employed or continued their education within three months of graduation. For more detailed information on enrollment, retention, and graduation statistics, visit our Reports and Dashboards. Curious about where your major can take you? Learn more about career opportunities here. 

Hands-on learning: Our program emphasizes aAcademic quality and experiential learning, offering transformative experiences, such as fieldwork,  internships, and industry tours. 

Strong industry networking: A strong connection to the fashion industry through a professional advisory board represented by top industry members and a strong alumni base 

Global experiences: Up to 24 credit hours may be earned through study abroad or with our partnerships with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Regents University and London University of the Arts in London, or Florence University of the Arts in Italy. 

Showcase your work: Participate in our annual fashion show sponsored by Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association (MODA). to display your talents. 

Nationally recognized: TheFMD program is the second-largest program in Michigan with integrated merchandising and design programs and is accredited by the prestigious Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This recognition assures students, parents, and employers that our graduates are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge for successful careers in the apparel and textile industry.  Learn more about the importance of accreditations and the benefits at Accreditation and Mission 

Additional information

WMU alums have transformed their passion for fashion into challenging and creative careers. You will find our grads working for national retailers and famous brands worldwide. They are designers, buyers, merchandisers, managers and marketers for companies like Anthropologie, Bloomingdale's, David's Bridal, Express, J. Crew, and Land's End. You will  find them in some unexpected places as automotive and airplane interior designers and retail software marketers. We are very proud of our alums! 

  • Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association (MODA) is the student organization representing fashion merchandising and design majors and minors. Joining this organization enhances personal and professional skills and provides opportunities to meet and develop friendships with fellow majors, network with companies and learn about careers. Members use their creativity and leadership skills to help produce annual student fashion shows. Contact faculty advisor Kelly Weathers for more information. Follow them on Instagram @wmumoda

The fashion merchandising and design major at WMU has partnerships with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Regents University in London and Florence University of the Arts in Italy. Fashion majors may complete three to 24 credits at one of these schools as part of their WMU program. Attending one of these schools provides a unique perspective on the industry and the chance to make valuable industry connections.

Fashion and technical designers, Product developers, Production managers, Quality control managers, Sourcing managers, Stylists, etc. Curious about where your major can take you? Learn more about career opportunities here. 

The College of Education and Human Development Office of Admissions and Advising assists students in planning their studies. Majors should meet with an advisor each semester to ensure that they stay on track toward graduation. Customize your degree with an optional WMU Signature Designation.

Hear it from us

Study Abroad

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to pursue additional educational opportunities through one of the FMD specific study abroad programs.
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WMU Signature

All WMU students have the option to stand out with an integrative learning project in one of several pathways including arts and culture, entrepreneurship, sustainability and more!
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Visit Campus

There's simply no substitute for seeing WMU for yourself and experiencing a little slice of what makes WMU so unique and beloved. In-person and virtual tours are available.